Keira Phoebe Eirênê Wanyenze Kanyana Nagimesi

So I went to visit the Nagimesi family the other day and I am happy to report that both mother and child are doing well. She has been named: Keira because it's a cool name and that Knightly chick is hot! Phoebe after her grandmother (funky family this, I think my granny's name was some archaic catholic name); Eirênê, (ee re nee) after a Greek goddess of the same name who personified peace and was an inspiration for several ancient artists, writers and poets; Wanyenze (apparently Gisu names have no meaning); Kanyana, which has something to do with a calf; Nagimesi, the Gisu guys at it again.

Someone once famously asked what was in a name, his logic being that a rose by any other would smell just as sweet. The truth is that human beings are fascinated with names and this fascination permeates every aspect of our lives. I met a guy over the weekend whose first few sentences included the fact that he was the son of a prominent member of the ruling elite. If only he had been named after some form of pond life, the arrogance! Names have the ability to inspire us to achieve great things as in the case of the Kennedys whose name is synonymous with American politics, fame, glory and a healthy dose of sleaze. After the recent death of Ted Kennedy, most Americans wondered who would fill his shoes and keep the name going, I don't envy that person. For my part, it was decreed that I would be called a "wise protector" because of "God's love" but my friends have conspired to name me after wildlife for one reason or another. I carry my given names with pride but for myself, I will always be my mother's son. So what does your name mean?

Thug Love!

I have this playlist on my mp3 player; it's called "maybehip". See, at the heart of me, I am all about rock n roll. I believe that it will never die. However, I have always thought of myself as a hip guy though, so every now and then, I venture into the land of hip hop and update myself. My latest obsession in these realms is "Cash Flow – Ace Hood ft DJ Khaled, Rick Ross & T-Pain." This song represents my latest act of piracy; I fired up limewire yesterday and downloaded the damn song because I like it. I wouldn't mind giving Mr. Hood his cash flow but it's a little bit outside my sphere of financial influence at the moment. Perhaps that's why I like it, because I need my cash flow too. Some people have been hindering it and "am a come see ya!" Anyway, back to hip-hop. I guess like all music, it serves to inspire me. I listen to people like Tupac Shakur, and it's like reading poetry. Even such silly songs like "I Love College", serve to remind me to not be too serious about life. That perhaps the entire world is a college and you go through it trying to learn a few things, so you might as well have some fun while you're at it. I listen to Wyclef cry about "Gunpowder" and shout "No More War" and I feel the emotion in his words. I hear Ludacris and Alicia Keys talk about savouring the moments and doing things "Like You'll Never See Me Again". I take from them the simple message that we are not promised tomorrow, so let's do and say the shit that matters now. Whenever I'm feeling down, Tupac and Scarface come calling, whispering that "there's gonna be some stuff you gonna see, that's going to make it hard to smile in the future. But through whatever you see, through all the rain and the pain, you gotta keep your sense of humour; you gotta be able to smile through all this bullshit. Remember that." Perhaps that is why I place such a high premium on humour. I like to laugh truly, sometimes at myself. Whenever I'm in need of some pride, Lil' Mama comes through because she is "What It Is." Some of these songs tell me that in "Everything, Everyday, Everywhere", I should be myself and embrace who I truly am. Some move me to call out and ask "If You're Out There," if indeed you will stand up tell me that "A Change is Gonna Come." Jordin Sparks comes along and helps me say that you're all imprinted on the fabric of my life like a "Tatoo." I realise that I could go through the entire playlist describing each song and how it makes me feel but I will spare you that drivel. However, I must say that I feel T.I. is a genius; his words are reminiscent of Tupac's mastery on "All Eyez On Me". I was searching for words that could channel my fighting spirit and he came along singing "I Aint Dead, I Aint Done." So, let me clock out here and say, people, "Let It Rock", and to all the girls, "Thug love!"

PS: I will be updating this playlist with music sourced from Baz, Andrew, Lethal and other places.

1. Mary J Blige - Work That (3:32)

2. 2Pac - Pac's Life (Feat. T.I. & Ashanti) (3:37)

3. Akon - Beautiful Ft. Colby O'Donis And Kardinal Offishall (5:13)

4. Destinys Child - T-Shirt-easymp3s (4:40)

5. Akon - Troublemaker Ft. Sweet Rush (3:57)

6. India.Arie - Chocolate High (Feat. Musiq Soulchild) (4:44)

7. Akon - Ghetto (3:57)

8. Fabolous - Everything, Everyday, Everywhere f. Keri Hilson & Ryan Leslie (4:07)

9. Akon - I'm So Paid Ft. Lil' Wayne And Young Jeezy (4:23)

10. Lil' Mama - What It Is (Strike A Pose) (Feat. T-Pain) (3:58)

11. Akon - Be With You (3:51)

12. Wyclef Jean - Any Other Day (Feat. Norah Jones) (4:11)

13. Rihanna - Rehab (4:57)

14. Plies - Hypnotized (feat. & prod. by Akon) (3:10)

15. Eminem - Beautiful (6:32)

16. Tupac Shakur - 2 Pac-All Eyes On Me - Heartz Of Men (4:43)

17. Tupac Shakur - 2 Pac-All Eyes On Me - Life Goes On (5:01)

18. Tupac Shakur - 2 Pac-All Eyes On Me - Only God Can Judge Me (4:56)

19. Ace Hood - Cash Flow (ft. DJ Khaled, Rick Ross, T-Pain) (4:28)

20. akon ft karidinal offishall - Rush (2007) (4:15)

21. All y'all - Timbaland (4:35)

22. Asher Roth - I Love College (4:06)

23. Wyclef Jean - 5-Baby Daddy-Redman (4:03)

24. Beyonce Knowles - Halo (4:21)

25. Britney Spears - Circus (3:12)

26. Britney Spears - Gimme More (4:13)

27. Busta Rhymes Ft. Linkin Park - We Made It.mp3

28. Chris Brown - Superhuman (Keri Hilson).mp3

29. Colby O'Donis feat. Akon - What You Got [iM1].mp3

30. Destiny's Child, Eminem, Redman - Thug Love (Remix).mp3

31. DJ Khaled - We taking over (feat. Akon, Baby, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross & T.I.).mp3

32. Estelle-Come Over(Feat.sean paul)(clean).mp3

33. Fabolous_-_It's My Time Ft Jeremih.mp3

34. Hold My Hand---- Akon Remix feat. Michael Jackson.mp3

35. I Can't Win (His Mistakes) - Usher.mp3

36. I'm Not My Hair (Remix) - India. Arie Feat. Akon.mp3

37. If That's OK With You Shayne Ward (3:44)

38. India Arie - Video (4:12)

39. Jennifer Hudson-Spotlight.mp3

40. John Legend - Everybody Knows (4:35)

41. John Legend - Green Light f/ Andre 3000 (4:45)

42. John Legend - If You're Out There (4:23)

43. John Legend - No Other Love [Feat. Estelle] (3:59)

44. Jordin Sparks - Tatoo (3:55)

45. Kanye West - Flashing Lights (Ft. Dwele) (3:59)

46. Kanye West - Homecoming (Feat. Chris Martin) (3:23)

47. Kanye West - Stronger (5:11)

48. Kanye West ft. T-Pain - Heartless.mp3

49. Keri Hilson - Knock You Down ft. Kanye West & Ne-Yo.mp3

50. Kevin Rudolf feat. Lil' Wayne - Let It Rock.mp3

51. Lady Gaga - Just Dance (4:02)

52. Lemarvin - Thug Like Me (2:43)

53. Like I Never Left (Feat. Akon) - Whitney Houston.mp3

54. Like You'll Never See Me Again (Remix) - Alicia Keys Ft. L.mp3

55. Lil Wayne - Mrs. Officer (Feat. Bobby Valentino).mp3

56. Lil Wayne Ft. Lloyd - You (3:35)

57. Lionel Richie Ft.Akon-Just Go.mp3

58. Lloyd - Lessons In Love - I Can Change Your Life.mp3

59. Lloyd ft. Lil Wayne - Girls All Around World (3:31)

60. Love like this- natasha bedding (3:45)

61. Lupe Fiasco Ft. Young Jeezy & T.I. - Superstar (Remix) (3:41)

62. Maino feat. T Pain- All of the Above.mp3

63. Mariah Carey Feat. T.I. - I'll Be Loving You Long Time (Official Remix).mp3

64. Mariah Carey ft. Akon & Lil Wayne - Bye Bye (Remix).mp3

65. Mariah Carey&ampKrazie Bone - I Still Believe.mp3

66. Mary J Blige - Fade Away (4:18)

67. Mr. DJ - Swangz Ave Anthem.mp3

68. Nappy Roots - Good Day.mp3

69. Natasha Bedingfield - Pocketful Of Sunshine.mp3 (Yes, some rock creeps in)

70. Pussycat Dolls - I Hate This Part (3:39)

71. Queen Latifah - Love is a battle field (4:57)

72. Rick Ross Ft. John Legend - Magnificent.mp3

73. Seal - A Change Is Gonna Come.mp3

74. Sean Paul - Pepperpot (3:13)

75. Shayne Ward - Breathless (3:49)

76. Shayne Ward - Melt the snow (3:49)

77. Sorry Blame It On Me - Akon (4:55)

78. Syleena Johnson - Hypnotic ft R. Kelly and Fabol (4:49)

79. T.I. - Live Your Life (Ft. Rihanna) (5:40)

80. T.I. - No Matter What.mp3

81. T.I. - Slide Show (Ft. John Legend) (3:42)

82. T.I. - What Up, Whats Haapnin.mp3

83. T.I. - Whatever You Like.mp3

84. T.I. Feat. Justin Timberlake - Dead And Gone [feat. Justin Timberlake] (Explicit Album Version) (4:59)

85. The Boss Feat. T- Pain - Rick Ross.mp3

86. The Dream Ft Kanye West-Walking On The Moon.mp3

87. The Game - Dreams (4:49)

88. The Game Ft. Lil Wayne - My Life.mp3

89. Timbaland - Scream (Feat. Keri Hilson & Nicole Scherzinger) (5:41)

90. Timbaland ft Francisco & Keri Hilson - The Way I Are (Remix) (3:54)

91. Tupac - Changes.mp3

92. Tupac - dear mama.mp3

93. Tupac - I Wonder If Heaven Got A Ghetto - (Hip-Hop Version).mp3

94. Tupac - Letter to my unborn.mp3

95. Tupac - Smile.mp3

96. Tupac - Thugs Mansion.mp3

97. Tupac - Untill The End Of Time.mp3

98. U Know What - Avante ft.Lil Wayne.mp3

99. We Ride (I See the Future).mp3

100. Wyclef Jean - No More War (4:01)

101. Wyclef Jean - Apocalypse (3:51)

102. Wyclef Jean - Fast Car (Feat. Paul Simon) (4:03)

103. Wyclef Jean - Hot 91.3 Pussycat (3:51)

104. Wyclef Jean - Slow Down (Feat. T.I.) (5:17)

105. Wyclef Jean - We Trying To Stay Alive - John Forté (3:13)

106. Wyclef Jean - What About The Baby (Feat. Mary J. Blige) (3:36)

107. wyclef jean - wish you were here.mp3

108. Wyclef Jean LIFE New Day.mp3

109. Young Jeezy Ft Kanye West, Trae, Lil Wayne, Ludacris & Rick Ross - I Put On (Remix) (7:17)

Happy Birthday My Dimpled Friend!

Hi sweetheart,
I know it's been a while since I saw you but I guess you're caught up in this lovely mess we call life! I just wanted to wish you a lovely bday albeit belated. I hope you enjoyed it and that many more happy ones await you.
xoxoxoxo

Rhino

The “Pay It Forward” Foundation Uganda

So, I promised you a few months ago that I would be in touch concerning something that had occurred to me. I wrote down a few things and set about trying to realize this dream but I've been consumed by almost everything and everyone I come into contact with. I am juggling so many ideas in my head that I had put this aside while I sorted myself out. Dincy, Jacque and Becky have been kind enough to infect me with their enthusiasm and help me get this thing rolling. It is no longer just my dream but "Our" dream. Here it is as I envisioned it then, we will be meeting this Friday with a few other people to forge a way forward and then we'll organise a launch of sorts. I will keep you posted.

If you had a chance to change someone's life for the better, would you take it? The majority of us have experienced the kindness of strangers and not known or been able to pay it back. We have also had the chance to make our lives what we want them to be; we have been given that chance to have the power to change our lives. We have had parents or guardians who have provided the necessities that we have needed or need, we have gone to school and imbibed the ideas that have struck a chord with us. We have stepped out into the world armed with all these things that we have learnt and attempted to find our place in it. But for each and every one of us that has had this chance, thousands or even millions more have not been privy to this. Most times it is due to no fault of their own, it is just the hand that life or fate, if you will, has dealt them.

Some of us, if not most of us, have a desire to change this situation but it always seems so monumental a task that we are immediately demoralized. How do you feed all the hungry? How do you provide shelter for all the homeless? How do you send children to school? How do you give those without, the same chance that you've had to make your life what it is today? The idea of undertaking anything of this magnitude seems so overwhelming that we cannot even attempt to get started. It does not have to be so; each and every one of us has the power to change another's life for the better. We have the ability and the chance to perform acts of kindness that even if they seem small to us, can make a huge difference in someone else's life. We have the power to pay it forward and perhaps change a life and make the world a little bit better.

The main goal of this foundation is to simply spread the idea that anyone can, if they are willing, change lives by paying it forward. It is inspired in part by the movie "Pay It Forward", but mostly, the inspiration comes from the people that I have been fortunate to meet in my life.

Initially, the idea occurred to me when I was seated in a waiting room cum restaurant in Nairobi. I was on my way back from my first foray into the wide world and I was feeling a bit demoralized at having fallen sick barely a month after setting off. I met a young man of about eighteen who was working in the restaurant and I sat him down and prompted him for his story. He told me of how he was born in Kenya to a Ugandan father and a Tanzanian mother and that that was why he considered himself an East African. I asked about his education, work and dreams and he told me of how he had finished S.4 but could not manage to get the funds to continue his education, how he liked fixing electrical items and hoped to become an electrical engineer one day. He had plans of coming to Uganda and finding some sort of job so that he could work by day and study by night.

I was moved by this young man and I figured that it wasn't simply a coincidence that I had met him. I turned my attention to figuring out a way to help him out, to make his dreams come true and change his life. It then occurred to me that if I could get 100 of my friends to each spare a little something every month then we should be able to give this kid the same chance at life that we have had. He can go to school without any worries of where the tuition will come from, where he will sleep, what he will eat..etc. Then it occurred to me that it doesn't have to stop with this kid, we can find other people who are desperately in need of that helping hand, who need just that one break and pay it forward. So the idea of a foundation was born and I guess all that's left is for you to take part. Do you want to make a difference?

I should perhaps say that the idea of paying it forward is something that we can do in our daily lives. It is simply doing the things that may mean little to us but mean the world to others, like helping a stranger change a flat tyre or holding the door open for the mailman. The idea is simply to be truly kinder.

Rock N Roll Will Never Die

Crossposting from My Inspiration.

1. Maroon 5 - 08 Maroon 5 - Goodnight Goodnight (4:03)
2. James Morrison feat. Nelly Furtado - Broken Strings (4:15)
3. Avril Lavigne - Falling Down (3:54)
4. Avril Lavigne - Im With You (3:44)
5. Avril Lavigne - Anything But Ordinary (4:11)
6. Avril Lavigne - Things I'll Never Say (3:44)
7. Avril Lavigne - How does it feel (3:45)
8. Avril Lavigne - Nobody's home (3:32)
9. Bon Jovi - Always (5:54)
10. Bon Jovi - Bed of Roses (6:34)
11. Bon Jovi - You Give Love a Bad Name (3:44)
12. Breaking Benjamin - The Diary of Jane (3:22)
13. Breaking Benjamin - Until the End (4:15)
14. Bruce Springsteen - THE RIVER (5:00)
15. Bruce Springsteen - HUNGRY HEART (3:20)
16. Bruce Springsteen - BETTER DAYS (3:44)
17. Bruce Springsteen - STREETS OF PHILDELPHIA (3:16)
18. Bruce Springsteen - SECRET GARDEN (4:27)
19. Bruce Springsteen - BLOOD BROTHERS (4:34)
20. Bruce Springsteen - across the border (5:29)
21. (04) Bruce Springsteen - Nothing Man (4:23)
22. Bruce Springsteen - My City Of Ruins (4:59)
23. Brian Adams and Tina Turner - It's only Love (3:17)
24. Bryan Adams - Can't stop this thing we started (4:29)
25. Bryan Adams - Summer of '69 (3:13)
26. Santana Feat.Chad Kroeger - Into The Night (3:40)
27. Carlos Santana - Game Of Love (ft. Michelle Branch) (4:15)
28. Carlos Santana - 04 - You Are My Kind (Ft. Seal) (4:19)
29. Carlos Santana - Why Dont You And I (ft. Chad Kroeger) (4:35)
30. Carlos Santana - Feels Like Fire (ft. Dido) (4:39)
31. Coldplay - In My Place (3:46)
32. Coldplay - The Scientist (5:08)
33. Coldplay - Clocks (5:06)
34. Coldplay - Green Eyes (3:41)
35. Coldplay - A Rush Of Blood To The Head (5:49)
36. Coldplay - Shiver (4:58)
37. Coldplay - Yellow (4:27)
38. Coldplay - Lost! (3:55)
39. Coldplay - 42 (3:57)
40. Coldplay - Viva La Vida (4:01)
41. Coldplay - Violet Hill (3:42)
42. Coldplay - Strawberry Swing (4:09)
43. Coldplay - Death And All His Friends (6:18)
44. Coldplay - What if (4:57)
45. Coldplay - White Shadows (5:28)
46. Coldplay - Fix You (4:55)
47. Coldplay - Talk (5:11)
48. Coldplay - Speed of Sound (4:48)
49. Coldplay - A Message (4:45)
50. Coldplay - Low (5:32)
51. Coldplay - Hardest Part (4:25)
52. Coldplay - Swallowed by the Sea (3:59)
53. Coldplay - 'til Kingdom Come (4:10)
54. Counting Crows - Round Here (5:32)
55. Counting Crows - Mr. Jones (4:32)
56. Counting Crows - Time and Time Again (5:14)
57. Counting Crows - Sullivan Street (4:29)
58. Dido - Don't Believe In Love (3:52)
59. Dido - Quiet Times (3:16)
60. Dido - Grafton Street (5:57)
61. Dido - Us 2 Little Gods (4:48)
62. Dire Straits - Brothers in Arms (4:57)
63. Dire Straits - Romeo and Juliet (6:08)
64. Dire Straits - Sultans of Swing (5:53)
65. Evanescence - Going Under (3:34)
66. Evanescence - Bring Me to Life (3:57)
67. Evanescence - My Immortal (4:24)
68. Evanescence - Tourniquet (4:38)
69. Evanescence - My Last Breath (4:07)
70. Five for Fighting - Superman (3:47)
71. Five For Fighting - The Beautiful (5:48)
72. Five For Fighting - The Riddle (You & I) (3:53)
73. Five For Fighting - 100 Years (4:11)
74. pink confetti.wma (3:47)
75. Freshly Ground - I am the man (5:03)
76. Freshly Ground - Vanish (5:26)
77. Freshly Ground - I'd like (6:31)
78. Freshly Ground - Doo be doo (5:21)
79. Freshly Ground - Things have changed (4:23)
80. Freshly Ground - Father please (4:09)
81. James Blunt - 1973 (4:40)
82. James Blunt - Same Mistake (4:58)
83. James Blunt - Carry You Home (3:56)
84. James Blunt - I Really Want You (3:30)
85. <Unknown> - jennifer knapp - A Little More (Acoustic) (3:28)
86. Jennifer Knapp - A Little More (3:24)
87. Jennifer Knapp - Come Freedom Come (3:29)
88. Jennifer Knapp - Fall Down (4:16)
89. Jewel - Stand -21St (3:13)
90. Jewel - Run 2 U -21St (3:37)
91. Jewel - Leave The Lights On -21St (3:21)
92. Jewel - 2 Find U -21St (3:14)
93. Jewel - Fragile Heart -21St (3:31)
94. Jewel - I wont walk awa (4:46)
95. Jewel - Standing Still (4:30)
96. Jewel - Till We Run Out Of Road (4:46)
97. Katie Melua - Mary Pickford (3:12)
98. Katie Melua - What I Miss About You (3:48)
99. Katie Melua - If You Were A Sailboat (4:02)
100. Katie Melua - In My Secret Life (4:23)
101. Katie Melua - Nine Million Bicycles (3:15)
102. Katie Melua - Piece By Piece (3:24)
103. Katie Melua - Just Like Heaven (3:35)
104. Katie Melua - I Cried For You (3:38)
105. Katie Melua - I Do Believe In Love (3:00)
106. Katie Melua - Sometimes When I'm Dreaming (3:38)
107. Keane - Somewhere Only We Know (3:57)
108. Keane - This Is The Last Time (3:29)
109. Keane - Everybody's Changing (3:36)
110. Kelly Clarkson - Breakaway (3:56)
111. Kelly Clarkson - Since U Been Gone (3:08)
112. Kelly Clarkson - Behind These Hazel Eyes (3:18)
113. KT Tunstall - Other Side of the World (3:34)
114. KT Tunstall - Suddenly I See (3:21)
115. KT Tunstall - Through the Dark (3:49)
116. Lene Marlin - Hope You're Happy (4:19)
117. Lene Marlin - One Year Ago (4:51)
118. Lene Marlin - Sitting Down Here (4:17)
119. Lene Marlin - Unforgivable Sinner (4:18)
120. Lene Marlin - Where Am Headed (4:33)
121. Linkin Park - Somewhere I Belong (3:33)
122. Linkin Park - Breaking the Habit (3:16)
123. Linkin Park - Numb (3:09)
124. Maroon 5 - This Love (4:26)
125. Maroon 5 - She Will Be Loved (4:17)
126. Maroon 5 - Sunday Morning (4:11)
127. Michelle Branch - Everywhere (3:38)
128. Michelle Branch - All You Wanted (3:35)
129. Michelle Branch - I'd Rather Be In Love (3:55)
130. Natalie Merchant - Build A Levee (4:47)
131. Natalie Merchant - Golden Boy (4:12)
132. Natalie Merchant - Frozen Charlotte (5:23)
133. Natalie Merchant - King Of May (4:09)
134. Natalie Merchant - Ophelia (5:10)
135. Natalie Merchant - When They Ring The Golden Bells (9:33)
136. Natalie Merchant - San Andreas Fault (3:58)
137. Natalie Merchant - River (5:32)
138. Natalie Merchant - Where I Go (4:00)
139. No Doubt - Don't Speak (4:23)
140. Oasis - Wonderwall (4:20)
141. Oasis - Champagne Supernova (7:29)
142. Peter Gabriel - Don't Give Up (6:33)
143. Peter Gabriel - Mercy Street (6:21)
144. Peter Gabriel - Blood Of Eden (6:37)
145. Puddle Of Mudd - Blurry (5:06)
146. REM - Losing My Religion (4:28)
147. R.E.M. - The Great Beyond (4:12)
148. R.E.M. - Everybody Hurts (5:20)
149. Robbie Willams - Feel -21st (4:23)
150. Robbie Willams - Come Undone -21st (4:38)
151. Robbie Willams - Me and My Monkey -21st (7:12)
152. Robbie Willams - Better Man (3:22)
153. Robbie Willams - If It's Hurting You (4:10)
154. Robbie Willams - Rock Dj (4:18)
155. Robbie Willams - Singing For the Lonely (4:31)
156. Robbie Willams - Supreme (4:18)
157. Robbie Willams - Somethin' Stupid (2:50)
158. Robbie Willams - Heaven (3:04)
159. Robbie Willams - Jesus in a camper van (3:38)
160. Robbie Willams - Man Machine (3:32)
161. Robbie Willams - Millenium (4:09)
162. Robbie Willams - No regrets (5:08)
163. Robbie Willams - One Of Gods Better People (3:34)
164. Robbie Willams - She's the one (4:18)
165. Robbie Willams - Win some lose some (4:17)
166. Rod Stewart - Run Back Into Your Arms (3:29)
167. Sarah McLaughlin - Fallen (3:40)
168. Sarah McLachlan - Stupid (3:23)
169. Sarah McLachlan - Perfect Girl (4:43)
170. Sarah Mclachlan - Sweet Surrender (4:00)
171. Sarah McLachlan - World on fire (4:22)
172. Simply Red - So beatiful (4:58)
173. Simply Red - Say you love me (3:41)
174. Simon Webbe - No Worries (3:29)
175. Anouk - One Word (4:01)
176. Racoon - Laugh About It (3:30)
177. 3 Doors Down - Here Without You (3:54)
178. U2 - One (4:37)
179. Staind - So Far Away (4:06)
180. Staind - Epiphany (4:16)
181. Staind - It's Been Awhile (4:24)
182. Staind - Outside (4:50)
183. Sting - Fields Of Gold (3:36)
184. Sting - When We Dance (5:55)
185. The Calling - Adrienne (4:51)
186. The Calling - Wherever You Will Go (3:50)
187. Calling The Calling - Things Will Go My Way (4:00)
188. Calling The Calling - Anything (4:02)
189. Cardigans - Communication (4:25)
190. Cardigans - You're The storm (3:51)
191. Cardigans - A Good Horse (3:14)
192. Cardigans - And Then You Kissed Me (5:59)
193. Cardigans - Couldn't Care Less (5:27)
194. Cardigans - Please Sister (4:33)
195. Cardigans - For What It's Worth (4:16)
196. Cardigans - Lead Me Into The Night (4:28)
197. Cardigans - Live and Learn (4:13)
198. Cardigans - Feathers And Down (4:26)
199. Cardigans - 03.45: No Sleep (3:39)
200. Cardigans - If There is a Chance (4:10)
201. Cardigans - For The Boys (3:24)
202. <Unknown> - Animal Instinct (3:31)
203. The Cranberries - Linger (4:34)
204. The Cranberries - Ode to My Family (4:30)
205. The Cranberries - When You're Gone (4:58)
206. The Fray - How to save a life (4:24)
207. U2 - If God will send his angels (4:33)
208. U2 - Beautiful Day (4:10)
209. U2 - Stuck In A Paddle (4:32)
210. U2 - Elevation (3:47)
211. U2 - Walk On (4:56)
212. U2 - In A Little While (3:39)
213. U2 - Wild Honey (3:46)
214. U2 - When I Look At The World (4:17)
215. U2 - Miracle Drug (3:59)
216. U2 - Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own (5:09)
217. U2 - City Of Blinding Lights (5:47)
218. U2 - All Because Of You (3:39)
219. U2 - Man And A Woman (4:30)
220. U2 - Crumbs From Your Table (5:03)
221. U2 - One Step Closer (3:51)
222. U2 - Original Of The Species (4:41)
223. U2 - Yahweh (4:22)
224. U2 - Bad (10:39)
225. U2 - With or without you (4:40)
226. Blink 182 - I Miss You (3:47)
227. Selah - You Raise Me Up (5:02)
228. Vertical Horizons - I'm Still Here (3:51)
229. Vertical Horizon - Best I Ever Had (Grey Sky Morning) (4:30)
230. Vertical Horizon - Everything You Want (4:39)
231. Vertical Horizon - Finding Me (4:32)
232. Vertical Horizon - Send It Up (3:42)
233. Vertical Horizon - We Are (4:01)
234. Vertical Horizon - You're A God (3:57)

In Search of Knowledge

The most important things I have learnt in life have not come from the classrooms; they have come from the words written down by men and women throughout the ages. They have come from humanity itself. Hence I have a strong belief that any well rounded individual must have a desire to learn, a love of words, written or spoken and an intellect that serves to define first the world and the individual's place in it. I have always fancied myself as someone with the ability to multi task so I find myself reading several books at once, trying to follow different events at home and abroad and letting my mind wander every which way. Anyway here's a list of material that I have recently consumed, are consuming and plan to consume.

"A Power Governments Cannot Suppress" by Howard Zinn is the best book I have picked up in a while. It touches on some of the biggest issues in the world today from America's foreign policy under the Bush administration to such grand themes as war and peace. It is an excellent read for anyone who desires to understand how western governments work and the role of civil society in any country in the world.

Ryszard Kapuscinski's "Travels With Herodotus" is perhaps one of the most inspiring books I have read this year. He was a polish foreign correspondent who reported from all corners of the globe in the decades before the internet brought the world that much closer. He saw civilization like few people did at the time and his tales simply stir wanderlust in me. One reviewer of the book simply says it is "A final gift, a call to wander widely and see deeply."

"An Intimate History of Humanity" by Theodore Zeldin is lying on my table. I had barely gotten to page 50 when I picked up Mr. Zinn's book and had to leave this for a while. It is however a compelling read so far, the title alone rouses my curiosity. I picked it up from my aunt just before I left for Cambodia and on the first page is a note from the previous owner to a friend; "Dear ____, A book I'm very fond of. Hope you'll enjoy. Love Wolfgang." I am compelled to find out why Wolfgang, whoever he may be, is very fond of this book. I will let you know when I am done with it.

"Al Jazeera: The Story of the Network That Is Rattling Governments and Redefining Modern Journalism" by Mohammed El-Nawawy Adel Iskandar is without a doubt recommended reading for anyone with journalistic aspirations. It points to the future of global news networks while telling the story of a people much maligned in the west and their aspirations for peace.

There is a program run by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) called Open Course Ware (OCW). It is a free publication of MIT course material that reflects almost all the undergraduate and graduate subjects taught at MIT. It is not a degree-granting or credit bearing initiative, however you can work through the materials at your own pace and in whatever manner you desire. It is for those of us who simply desire the knowledge and could care less about the piece of paper that is called a degree. When I decided that I wanted to become a writer, I took a short trip to the OCW website and downloaded the course materials for a degree in literature. That is how I come to be reading John Milton's "Paradise Lost" and Homer's "The Odyssey" among many others. The former is considered a seminal book in classical literature for many reasons, not least of which is its deconstruction of religion and its role in human lives. I have barely begun book one but even going through the introduction is a lesson in history and literature that is priceless. Of the latter, the first paragraph is enough to strike you with wonder, it goes thus;

"Tell me, O muse, of that ingenious hero who travelled far and wide after he had sacked the famous town of Troy. Many cities did he visit, and many were the nations with whose manners and customs he was acquainted; moreover he suffered much by sea while trying to save his own life and bring his men safely home; but do what he might he could not save his men, for they perished through their own sheer folly in eating the cattle of the Sun-god Hyperion; so the god prevented them from ever reaching home. Tell me, too, about all these things, O daughter of Jove, from whatsoever source you may know them."

 

I have a collection of BBC's all time top 100 best novels; it contains such masterpieces as George Orwell's "1984", Dostoevsky's "Crime and Punishment", Tolstoy's "War and Peace", Hermann Hesse' "Siddhartha" and many other wonderful tales. I figure that by the time I am done reading all this stuff I will have honed my skill as a writer and then I will proceed to tell my tales. Why? You may ask. Why put all this garbage in your head? Well, it's simply because Stephen King told me, in his book "On Writing", that if I desired to write and do it well, I could do myself a favour by reading a lot and writing a lot.

 

I have a desire to understand the Middle East, I am curious as to why this place that is the home of these religions that purportedly teach peace is not peaceful. I want to understand every side and make up my mind whose cause I sympathise with. So I went and found myself Mehran Kamrava's "The Modern Middle East: A Political History Since The First World War". I will be telling you tales of what I learn, I am absolutely sure it will be worth the time. Incidentally the Israeli foreign minister was in town recently and he urged Uganda to use its position as non permanent member of the UN Security Council to pressure Iran on nuclear weapons. How do we make up our minds if we do not know the history?

I have been reading newspapers a lot, something I never imagined myself doing. I am addicted to the news as I've confessed before. Your blogs are a source of knowledge, humor, beauty and the occasional madness. I enjoy them thoroughly especially Tumwi, Greenfinity, Princess, Chanel, Miss Cheri, Heaven, Spartakuss, Lulu, Basics, Streetsider, Nevender, Baz, Antipop, Liz, TMS Ruge, TRP, Normzo, Sleek, and many more.

I recently joined a mailing list called I-Network and it's amazing the amount of information and expertise available in this forum. I am tracking all sorts of ICT related issues from here. There are discussions about the so called broadband, the fibre optic backbone project run by the ministry of ICT, mobile operators' service standards, ICT laws being discussed and passed in parliament and lots more. I discovered from this mailing list various job opportunities, reports like the NSSF audit, parliament's approved budget for the ministry of ICT, a new local magazine called "Enterprise Technology" and many other things.

I am currently looking for books about Afghanistan, The German View of WWII, Iran, Japan and most importantly a good analysis of our history since independence because I need to apply my mind to the Buganda question and the issue of Federo. I also desire to explore the oil question, how others have dealt with it and how we can learn from them. One of my dreams is to write a collection of tales that I can say is the world from my point of view and of those that have bore witness.

My Country Burns!

Why? At the end of the day at least fourteen people are dead. It may seem, at least to the rest of us, that they have given their lives in vain. Their deaths may be referred to as unfortunate by the world and then quickly forgotten. But for those they leave behind, brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers and all manner of loved ones, the pain has only just begun. We should all feel it; we should all share the blame for their deaths, we should all learn from the mistakes that have been made.

On the face of it, it seems the riots were simply about a power hungry kingdom and an increasingly authoritarian government. The government and many others would have us believe that the Mengo based kingdom is to blame for the mess. I say look harder at the facts.

First and foremost, the decision to restore monarchies in Uganda was taken against many calls to do otherwise, the law governing these cultural institutions is supposed to ensure that they do not engage in partisan politics. Yet here we are today and these very Kingdoms threaten to bring us down. Why is it that they have come to have so much political power? How did they get to this point? What plans did our leaders put in place for such an eventuality? Did they see it coming? The truth is that the very people who said that these kingdoms should not have political power are the ones who went ahead and gave it to them. Political power is simply having influence over the people’s vote and because it was nothing more than a political move to restore these institutions, they in essence inherited this power. Further courting of these institutions by politicians has ensured that this power grow to what it is today. The situation simply brings one thing to light, that our leaders have been myopic and selfish. In pursuit of short term goals, perhaps driven by greed, they have made decisions that have impacted the country negatively. They have displayed a lack of foresight, the kind of which we expect from those that lead us.

Second, the idea that those engaging in the riots were simply opportunistic hooligans who wanted to pillage is nothing short of naiveté. Any self respecting citizen who is engaged in profitable economic activity does not simply take to the streets for anything less than the defence of human rights. The fact that the bulk of today’s youth can be considered hooligans is evidence of the failure of our government to create a thriving civilized society. It is common knowledge that things out there on the streets are tough, that some in places of power and influence are corrupt, that government has done a lot more to divide us than otherwise. Contrary to what you, the elite, may think, there is a lot of anger out there. Many people feel that the government does not work for them; they feel that it’s simply not enough to be honest and hardworking. The idea that one must know someone in a position of influence to get ahead is prevalent in our society. We have developed a thieving culture and perhaps before we point to the young man on the street and call him an opportunistic thug, we should look first at ourselves. It is not hard to see why any message of a different future would appeal to the youth and perhaps that is where these kingdoms get their political power, they appeal to the people and offer a different future. The government is aware of this and that is why something as simple as a king addressing his subjects gives them sleepless nights, they realise that it threatens to erode support for the ruling party. If the government was doing right by these young men and women, there would be no need for something as simple as “Buganda Youth Day Celebrations” to incite the kind of violence that unfolded in Kampala and around the country.

Third, the lack of respect for the rule of law is prevalent in our country. This is because the institutions set up to create, apply and enforce the law have been compromised. Our faith in them has been undermined by those without integrity and we have come to believe that recourse to the law and those sworn to uphold it, is at best futile. We all know that among our leaders are those who have engaged in activities contrary to the law of the land and still they walk free among us, unapologetic, unashamed and unrepentant. It is not hard to imagine what kind of message this sends to the average Ugandan. This disregard for the rule of law has been translated down to the very last of us. Some have resorted to apathy and hopelessness; others who cannot bear to be indifferent have resorted to violence and the very lawlessness that they seek to fight. It is simply wrong and we must find a way of addressing these issues in a civilized manner.

In the midst of the rioting I engaged the police officers in conversation and from that I gleaned the simple fact that they are inadequately trained for the job. I have no doubt that the government is doing something about this but I think it could do better. One police officer remarked that he was willing to shoot anyone who attempted to throw bricks at him while another however, had resisted taking such a course of action despite his life being threatened by the angry rioters. If you had seen the size of the bricks being thrown you would understand the former’s sentiments and applaud the latter’s conduct. These situations sometimes get really ugly and the policemen and women find themselves fighting for their lives, all because people have lost respect for law and order. This phenomenon is evident in our daily lives, in any traffic jam there are always those who feel their business is more important than others’ and proceed to make other people’s lives harder. There is a belief among us that once you know someone in high places, you can flout the law to your heart’s content. A good number of us have gotten into arguments that have ended with one party asking “DO YOU KNOW WHO I KNOW?” and proceeding to make various phone calls to so called security operatives. We need to empower our policemen and women so that they can serve and protect us. We need to first and foremost give them the kind of respect we desire from them.

Fourth, there is a lack of inspirational leadership. I have been looking around, for someone in my generation who aspires to lead the nation and I am yet to find one of you. Our leaders have failed miserably to inspire us, you will find when you talk to the youth of the nation that we have gone out there to borrow the heroes of other lands. We seek inspiration from without because our very own fail us. Most people, both young and old, feel that there is no viable alternative to President Museveni. Why? How is it that in twenty six years the entire nation has failed to produce just one person that we can rally behind? The opposition would have you believe that they can do a better job but looking at their leadership, the divisions within, we are left with a lot of doubt. Perhaps that is why many of us resort to the old adage “better the devil you know...” I have always had a lot of respect for President Museveni, but I am beginning to think that my faith is misplaced. A simple glance at an article in the Weekly Observer titled “Why President Museveni will give Mengo Federo” reveals that his principles are always shifting to suit his needs. His recognition of the Obusinga cultural institution is a departure from whatever he believed when he stated that he would not be blackmailed by the people of Kasese into making unprincipled decisions. Now he makes these decisions and we are left to wonder whether he simply plays political games or has become wiser and learnt something he did not know before, something so important that he has had to change his principles. It is only natural for a human being to acquire new knowledge and change old beliefs based on this knowledge, but we must ask ourselves whether we require anything less of our leaders than steadfastness in their, and by proxy, our principles. The idea that what transpired the last couple of days was simply the result of political games is as scary as it is appalling. Our leaders should not play with our lives in such a manner.

Fifth, it would seem that the government has failed to appropriately plan for such situations. The government would have us believe that there are evil masterminds behind any sort of demonstration and have in light of that enacted laws that bear the hallmarks of authoritarian regimes. In the event of a riot, there should be a system for disseminating information from the government that lets the people know what is happening. The police could even simply set up an SMS service that is recognised and trusted by all. This would ensure that everyone knows that the government is doing all it can to minimise the loss of innocent lives. We should embrace the technology available to us. You have to wonder why someone in that place called “above” whence come orders to arrest certain people has not yet thought of this. Surely there are brighter minds than mine being applied to these matters! At least, I hope so. The people reserve the right to assemble and associate freely, some of us have abused this right by engaging in acts of violence that lend credence to the government’s decision to infringe upon these rights. We need to work hand in hand with the government to make sure we have an appropriate strategy for these situations.

Finally, our greatest enemy is apathy. There is a lot of it out there and it saddens me. When the riots were underway, I took a breather from my duties as a citizen journalist and had a chat with my friends. I could not believe how unconcerned they all were. It seemed as if the chaos did not have anything to do with them. I told them that this violence represented far bigger concerns that just Mengo and the government. I told them that there is a lot of bitterness out there and any self respecting citizen should pay attention. There were reports that some people were being targeted because they had “long noses” which meant that they hailed from lands other than Buganda. The tribal and religious divisions among us threaten to lead to chaotic times not dissimilar to those of ages past and there is no doubt that the government has enacted policies that have greatly exacerbated this problem. It has become clear that fragmentation of the country has served little else than prop up the ruling party and benefit the well connected while the ordinary Ugandan slips further into poverty and desperation. We must all wake up to reality; we can no longer afford to be indifferent. Even those of you who have no desire to engage in partisan politics should realise that it is up to us the people to fix our nation. Our leaders can only do so much if each one of us does not give to the other the very rights we reserve for ourselves. People have died, let their lives not go unnoticed; let us learn from these things. Let us remember the dead.

Soundtrack:
U2 – Walk On

WordPlay

Scrabble with Lulu and Streetsider was nice, apparently it was a friendly but at one point no one was smiling. They know some English and Streetsider wasn't even putting in any effort. I'm looking forward to the real deal, so I'm polishing my word list. Lulu has promised to host the championships at her place, complete with lunch cooked by Flavia, an aspiring chef. As soon as the details are hashed out, I'll let u guys know.

In other news, I have decided to push my brain to the limit. Apparently human beings use about 10% of the available brain power at any one time. I'm not sure about the research but it seems the human brain is still much of a mystery to us. Anyway I have decided to consume anything that my mind finds interesting, which means that I will be reading and analysing a lot of stuff. If my mind goes south, I'm sure I'll appreciate some visitors in the asylum, though I'm certain Streetsider will join me at one point.

I just got through the NSSF audit report, its mind boggling the crap these so called educated bastards get up to. It makes for some depressing reading. I'm also in the process of doing a website for the mayor, yup, our very own Seeya. I have many ideas for it but it remains to be seen if he's up for them, you know how these politicians can be. Apparently he's off to the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, probably to secure some funding for his next campaign; I hope he gets enough to pay me handsomely for my services!

I am looking for a good book about Uganda's history since independence, I know there are tons out there but I need one that will give me a feel of the people at the time. Anyone know a good one?

For our children and our children’s children

Dear little girl,
Welcome to this place of beauty, wonder and knowledge. We here are your people and we dedicate our words and deeds to making this life as fulfilling for you as it can possibly be. You come to us at a time of great change, heralding the dreams of tomorrow and giving us a reason to hope. You signal our rebirth as a people and we can only hope that we do right by you. May you "live long and prosper."
Your crazy uncle,
Rhino

There is a new life among us, a little girl. Nicole and David Nagimesi are the proud parents of a bouncing baby girl. She is not yet named because David and Nicole are the "happy go lucky" kind of people who will get round to it when the time comes. I told David that I had to have my own special name for her and I am thinking of something that means "rebirth" because it resonates perfectly with my life. It amazes me that I am a part of this moment; I did not see myself experiencing it. I imagine that these new parents are filled with excitement and joy; they have set about starting a family, one of the most joyous and fulfilling endeavours of life. The decision to bring a new life into this world is one that I have decided to pass up; I have had a hard enough time being responsible for myself that I don't feel adequate to parent another life. Perhaps I will always live vicariously on that part, like my good friend Lisa Fields. Be that as it may, I cannot help but imagine what it feels like to be a parent. To come to the realisation that you are solely responsible for another life must be overwhelming and yet euphoric. I love this child and it's simply because she is my fellow human being, we have the fortune or misfortune of sharing the same planet, I am bound by nothing less than natural law to love her. I want her to grow up in a world that is peaceful, a place that affords her the best chance at becoming the person she was meant to be. I look at the world I live in now and I feel that I must change something about it, that I must do my darnedest to make it that much better for her. I dedicate my life to such endeavours and perhaps I am too idealistic but I must try, at least for her, for our children and our children's children.

Lockerbie: Truth, Realpolitik and the future of International Law

I have been doing some reading, Stephen King says that the spark of a writer is innate, the most important thing an aspiring writer must do is read a lot and write a lot. Yes! I have been doing some reading and now I come to share.

The political fallout and international debate surrounding the release of Abdelbaset Ali Mohmed Al Megrahi seems to be centred on the possibility of "under the table" deals between the United Kingdom and Libya as well the morality of releasing a convicted mass murderer from prison. Most in the west, not least of who are the families of the victims of that heinous act, believe that Megrahi's release was an injustice, a view that is shared by many around the world. Having tried to read as much information as there is available in the public domain concerning the trial, conviction and subsequent appeals, I have come to the conclusion that the furore concerning this man is aimed at keeping us in the dark as regards the truth surrounding this case.

The media, especially in the west, has chosen to highlight Megrahi's release on compassionate grounds as a possible outcome of trade negotiations with Libya, downplaying the circumstances surrounding his appeal. I have already stated my views concerning his release but what I have discovered is far more important than the question of financial deals and moral significance. At the heart of matter is a test of the independence of judicial proceedings in the international political arena. To quote the one person at the trial of whose independence we can be assured, simply because he was the representative of the people, the UN international observer, Dr Hans Köchler,

"Whether those in public office like it or not, the Lockerbie trial has become a test case for the criminal justice system of Scotland. At the same time, it has become an exemplary case on a global scale that its handling will demonstrate whether a domestic system of criminal justice can resist

the dictates of international power politics or simply becomes dysfunctional as soon as "supreme state interests" interfere with the imperatives of justice. Fairness of judicial proceedings is undoubtedly a supreme and permanent public interest. If the rule of law is to be upheld, the requirements of the administration of justice may have to take precedence over public interests of a secondary order, such as a state's momentary foreign policy considerations or commercial and trade interests. The internal stability and international legitimacy of a polity in the long term depend on whether it is able to ensure the supremacy of the law over considerations of power and convenience. Contrary to what skeptics and the advocates of the supremacy of realpolitik try to make us believe, the basic maxim of the rule of law is not fiat justitia, pereat mundus but fiat justitia ne pereat mundus –'let justice prevail so that the world does not perish."

 

It would be folly of us if we did not right this wrong; we who wish to teach the world that there can be a lasting peace among us should not be party to such acts as denying an accused person the right to examine evidence brought forth against his or her person. Why is it that our leaders will not comment on these matters of great import? All they can say of the matter is that this man's release is "highly objectionable!"

Dr Hans Köchler's article in the National Law School of India Review appropriately titled "The Lockerbie Trial and the Rule of Law" should be brought to the forefront of the matter, discussed and addressed. Let us make peace with each other, let us be truly compassionate and then perhaps this tragedy will have served to teach us something, to make us better people.

I'm off to read about the Middle East, Uganda, Afghanistan, Rwanda, America, Japan and of places here and there.

Witness

“Though their history does not remember the oppressed, her words will not be forgotten. While I am travelled, his spirit will wander far farther than he has ever been. Intimate accounts unveiled for the world to see. Witness, documentaries to open your eyes, at this time on Al Jazeera.”

Witness
19:00 GMT
Al Jazeera

Land of the Brave

The decision to release, on compassionate grounds, the man accused of taking part in the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland has caused a lot of uproar around the world and especially the West. A lot has been made of the decision with many suspecting the Scottish government of carrying out secret financial deals with the Libyan government in exchange for Al Megrahi's release with disregard to the victim's families and international law. This they say is a miscarriage of justice. It is not difficult to see why anyone would imagine secret deals took place behind closed doors. In a world where material wealth is exalted above all else, the idea that one man, no matter the consequences, would uphold his values and beliefs, and do the job his people called on him to perform is considered a display of naïveté unbecoming of today's political reality.

Personally I believe that Justice Secretary Kenny MacAskill should be hailed for upholding the very ideals that we so often profess but fail to live up to. In a world where greed has compromised most upstanding world citizens, it is refreshing to see a display of such qualities that are reminiscent of the great John Adams who stood up for the rule of law when it was perhaps the most unpopular thing to do. He wrote in his diary after the defence of Captain Preston and his men that:

"I . . . devoted myself to endless labour and Anxiety if not to infamy and death, and that for nothing, except, what indeed was and ought to be all in all, sense of duty..... The Part I took in Defence of Capt. Preston and the Soldiers, procured me Anxiety, and Obloquy enough. It was, however, one of the most gallant, generous, manly and disinterested Actions of my whole Life, and one of the best Pieces of Service I ever rendered my Country. Judgment of Death against those Soldiers would have been as foul a Stain upon this Country as the Executions of the Quakers or Witches, anciently. As the Evidence was, the Verdict of the Jury was exactly right."

MacAskill, it would seem, having no other recourse than the law and his humanity did what he perceived was right, something that should stand out as an example to all who profess such ideals as compassion for your fellow human being. Those who perceive it as a victory for terrorism should look hard at the facts and realise that it is instead a victory for democracy and liberal ideals.

Everyone seems to be disgusted by the fact that Al Megrahi was given a hero's welcome back home in Libya. Instead of attempting to understand why it is that these people would embrace a convicted mass murderer in light of international rebuke. There are so many misunderstandings and divisions between the Arab people and the West that ordinary politicians cannot address but which only ordinary citizens can resolve and heal. The attempt to boycott all things Scottish in protest is as foolish as it is unjustified simply because many wonders have come from the true "Land of the Brave" not least of which is penicillin and in doing so, you would seek to punish those who attempt to show the way forward. You would be no different from those that perpetrate these very acts of terrorism against civilians in the hope of punishing their leaders.

The Multi-Ethnic Movement

I was reading Prof. Mahmood Mamdani's presentation at the Abu Mayanja Annual Lecture and I was moved by the man's eloquence and his grasp of fundamental issues. The gist of his lecture is simple, that we are at a crossroads.

"I believe that we are today at a national impasse.  Everyone knows that the Movement that came to power with the promise of 'fundamental change' in 1986 turned around and promised 'no change' in the multi-party elections that followed the adoption of the new Constitution in 1995.  On its own admission, the Movement had a modest vision of change, limited to the realization of security: 'at least we can now sleep'.  Having achieved this goal, at least in most of the country, its vision was exhausted.  Its energies now appear to be invested in preventing change, an objective that no one in history has ever succeeded to achieve.

The Opposition is narrowly focused on the question of exercising power.  Impatient to rule, it regularly protests the ruling party's failure to observe the two term limit on the exercise of presidential power as no less that a subversion of the spirit of the constitution.  But the Opposition does not observe the two-term rule in its own ranks.  It has failed to practice what it preaches."

He delves into the most niggling political issue in the country with surgical precision and gets to the heart of the matter. We are divided and there are those who threaten to divide us further for their own selfish motives. These very people have forgotten what we have given for this unity; our fathers, mothers, brothers and sisters have died so that we may be united. Those we have elevated above us as our leaders seem to be leading us in the wrong directions. He simply says that

"Today the situation is ripe for a national alliance between all those who are determined to resist the politics of fragmentation, regardless of political party, or region.  This alliance needs to be based on two recognitions: first, the demand for federo is today the forefront of that resistance; second, this demand needs to be articulated in an inclusive manner, as indeed it was in the Luwero Triangle."

I cannot pretend to have answers in the form of government policies that should be adopted to address these issues, but it would seem that someone needs to remind our leaders that first and foremost the people must be listened to. My belief in that cardinal principle of democracy, that "Vox Populi, Vox Dei" leads me to the realisation that the people must speak. We must say what we think and feel about these things. The time for apathy and ignorance is past, now is the time to speak up and be heard!

It occurs to me that we who aspire to tell tales do so in the hope of changing lives, of making people better. Mamdani's words have inspired me to start a movement. It seems that "The Movement" we lent our names to is going astray and there is need for new energy, vision and leadership. We must help our leaders to govern better and the only way we can do that is by holding each other accountable for word and deed. We must lead by example and practice what we preach. Those of us who hold dear the belief that we are all one people, that the fundamental precepts of democracy are right and true should practice what we preach. Let us acknowledge that simple fact, that no matter where you come from, no matter who you are, you are above all else a human being. Thus we shall begin "The Multi-Ethnic Movement" that we have been called upon to start.

My life is such that I have come to realise how nothing is out of reach if only you have the ability to dream. It is interesting that it has taken me all these years to realise something so simple and true, that no matter what, your dreams will always be yours. I have hope that tomorrow will be a better day and I am doing my bit to make it so.

In brief, I came to tell you that we are starting a movement of peace, a revolution if you will. Let us give the people a voice and see if it truly is the voice of God. I invite all of you who so desire to be a part of it, all you have to do is be the change you want to see in the world. Perhaps that will be our legacy, we as Africans. Perhaps we are the ones destined to give the world the true meaning of peace and humanity shall forever remember us as such. Let us make history people and begin a true "Multi-Ethnic Movement".

PS: Anyone who has information on starting a Civil Society Organisation please send me an email at krays_ug@yahoo.co.uk. I would appreciate your thoughts on this because I cannot do it alone.

PPS: Whoever has a book by Prof. Mamdani and wouldn't mind me borrowing it, holla at me. I'm off to attend a wedding, will tell you about all that later.

Israel’s “Just” War on Gaza

How can you justify a war in which 83% of the people killed were civilians? And then to attempt to silence the voice of the people by such rubbish as whom their friends are. Such insolence! If the truth is to come to light then you must let every person involved speak, the men and women who fought this war must speak and we who were there will speak for the dead. Thus will you be judged by your peers and either vindicated or damned.

Wish You Were Here

Let's go
So, so you think you can tell
Heaven from hell
Blue skies from pain
Can you tell a green field
From a cold steel rail
A smile from a fair
Do you think you can tell
Did they get you to trade
Your heroes for goals
Hot ashes for trees
Hot air for a cool breeze
Cold comfort for change
Did you exchange
A walk on part in the war
For a lead role in the game

Whether you listenin to hip hip-hop
Or you tuning to rock
Refugees on your box
We gonna take over your blocks

Lets go
How I wish, how I wish you were here
Were just two lost souls swimming in a fish bowl year after year
Runnin over the same old ground
But have we found the same old fears
Wish you were here

Whether you listenin to rock
Or pumpin the hip hip hop
Refugees on your box

Critics dont mistake this for just any cover tune
I'm a take y'all to the dark side of the moon
Kickin in my moms room this song was just a thought
A young refugee labelled, jus come with a passport
Dad used to tell me about the American dream
My dream was waking up the projects
A young teen listening to hip hop
My brother tune me into rock
Put me up on pink floyd and banned from the British blocks

Whether you pumpin the hip hop
Or you tuning to rock
Refugees on your box
We gonna take over the blocks
From NJ to BK to the UK

........Wyclef Jean

Vox Populi, Vox Dei

I watched in dismay as the UN Security Council expressed "serious concern" about the extended detention of Myanmar's Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. It is interesting to note how this decision highlights the state of affairs on the international scene today. Britain and the US have always condemned Myanmar's military leadership as illegitimate and branded the generals violators of human rights. China, the west's biggest economic partner has always had dealings with the Burmese generals and has largely helped keep the country afloat as well as shielded from UN sanctions. China insists that Myanmar's sovereignty should be respected and the people allowed to determine their own fate. The reality on the ground however is different, with absolutely no free press in the country; it has become next to impossible for the people to voice their opinions. In fact, international news networks have no presence in the country and rely on "Citizen Journalists" like "Burma VJs" to get news from the country. Analysts say it has become increasingly difficult for these independent voices to keep the news coming out as the military government has cracked down on their activities, forcing some of them to flee into exile.

The UN's so called non binding document expressing serious concern is nothing more than a show of words. It is simply the world saying to the people of Myanmar that "we've heard about your problems but money rules!" The west cannot afford to go against China especially in these times of a global economic recession where it has become the west's biggest lender. The US recently strengthened ties with Beijing with various bi-lateral trade agreements and despite stating that it would pursue the issue of human rights, it remains to be seen if Washington will convince Beijing to pay more attention to such matters. It seems that money and influence compromises integrity even or most especially in the highest corridors of power.

For the people of Burma/Myanmar who struggle to bring the truth to light, the UN statement is mere lip service that they have been given before. For a people who increasingly feel that there is no one left to speak out for them, the hope that the people of the world will stand with them is that much further. These events should perhaps give other would be champions of peace food for thought, for we who are peacemakers do what we do with the belief that we speak for the people, for "The voice of the people is the voice of God."

Coming Alive!

"Don't ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive."  Howard Thurman

Bridal Shower!

Yes! I went for a bridal shower! "Why?" they ask, "Why the hell not?" I have a desire to have as wide a range of experiences as possible; I actually find that most people are scared of new things, of breaking old customs that don't make sense anymore, of stepping out of their comfort zones and learning. Me, I want to know more, my excuse is that I want to be able to incorporate these experiences into the things I write.

Anyway, I walked in at about 8:30 and found Jaq (who invited me!), Barbara (whose shower it was), Brenda, Angela and a bunch of girls, most of whom I knew. Apparently I was the stripper! I was anxious of course, this was forbidden territory and many a man has ventured here and perished! Leaving behind only tell tale signs; discarded belts, shoes and the like. I settled down quickly, helped immensely by the punch! I think punch should be the official party drink from now on. This was the most ballistic punch ever! I could not understand why everyone seemed sober especially the bride! Jaq set about fixing that and I got down to the talk thing. Tracy, Joan and the punch provided all the necessary ingredients. Tracy was not forthcoming with the kb; all I could learn was that she works in one of those reputable financial institutions (banks) and that she had to work the next day. More punch, food and then it was time for the "Ssenga".

My friends are hip; they get tired of these traditional things, some of which don't make sense anymore. So it came to pass that I was the "Kojja", so armed with that "ka towel" thingy and mob kb I set about educating. I went Buddhist Zen, stressing how no matter what advice anyone gives you, loin cloth and all, at the end of the day, the most important bit is the kb between two people. No sooner had I finished that statement than I was bombarded by questions from all over the place. "What if you tell him this and he does theat?" "What do you do when he keeps doing the same shit you don't like?" "Can I replace my guy with a dildo?" Okay that last one is a joke, but seriously, what the hell do you guys do to these women? Interestingly it was the married ones that had the most questions. I am not a person who handles groups well; I am more comfortable in a one on one situation so I lay back and let the punch take me! Thankfully everyone else seemed to have succumbed to it and people got up to all sorts of things that culminated with some French guy stripping! More punch and more kb with Linda, Brenda, Jaq, Harriet and Angela. Oh and one of the French guys promised me a story good enough for some of our leading dailies, so I will be following that up. Plus I have a court date with Brenda; I want to see if guys be doing 'Boston legal' stuff in there. Somehow we managed to transport ourselves and litres of alcohol to 'Bead for Life' which is not bad at all! I think most of us wrapped up the night shortly after that. I went to a friend's car to be easy and fell asleep. I have to say that Bugos has the harshest mosquitoes ever; they chewed me like vampires at 'Bloodfest09' and now my arms look like I'm recovering from chicken pox.

I have to say this for bridal showers though; I think more guys should be invited because I got the feeling that people actually have serious stuff they want addressed and the Ssenga can only tell you so much. As for the sex talk, I will be conducting practical demonstrations wherever and whenever necessary! Don't feel shy!

Beer Ni Bora

On Friday, a couple of friends and I decided to try out this Nakumat proggie. Basically, you drive to Nakumat, buy eats and cheap beer, chill in the parking lot with music and engage in conversation. It was nice plot and was almost ruined at the end by money grabbing policy wonks. See, we didn't have empty beer bottles, so I asked the guy at the counter if I would be able to get my money back on returning the empty beer bottles. He said it was okay. So we bought the beer and proceeded to while away a good chunk of the night. When we were ready to depart, I collected the bottles and armed with my receipt went to rescue my money from other people's pockets. When I got to the returns counter, I was told by a one James that I could not have my money back. That according to company policy, as long as they had gotten their hands on your money, you were never seeing it again. I was free to pick any item from the supermarket of equal value. I tried to argue as eloquently as I possibly could, stating the facts as they were

1. I was not informed of this policy before purchasing anything from the store and this is in violation of consumer rights
   
2. I did not desire any other item from the supermarket
   
3. No, I did not want to keep the "voucher". I was leaving the country and I wanted my money!
   
4. I was informed by the clerk at the checkout counter that I would be able to get my money back, though he was denying this.
   
5. I had all the relevant documentation i.e. receipt
   
6. I had witnesses, although they were all pretty drunk
   
7. I was pretty pissed and would possibly do all in my power to expose the company to negative publicity (never mind the fact that I cannot even get my friends to read the shit I write)
   

I was on the verge of causing a scene when James suggested that I could get more beer instead of my money. What? How could I not have thought of that earlier? I had just wasted a good 15 minutes standing up for consumer rights and all he had to say was "more beer". I grabbed two cans of Heineken and gave up my fight. I have done my bit for consumer rights. "BEER IS BEST"

Commenting 2

I thought I would write something about BHH but Nevender beat me to it. All I'm here to say is that I agree with Number27, those first three paragraphs are art, and then come the artists. You, my dear sir, are without a doubt an artist par excellence. It was ballistic painting that damn picture with you guys. Another day, another time! Um who remembers the URL for Santo's blog? And what say you guys we move the next BHH to a Friday or even Saturday and some place with mob seats? Someone promised us a house party or some such thing, Lulu, bring the cameras next time, we have all the lights and action. Ugandan Insomniac, some of us be as if wanting to meet you but you never show. I'm off to write a damn book about your country people. Later!